18 Places To See The Next Total Solar Eclipse In 850 Days

13.04.2024 - 17:23 / forbes.com / Frank Gehry

Mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999 is just 850 days away. Where will you be? As excitement dies down from the “Great American Eclipse,” eclipse chasers are turning their attention to Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when a 183-190-mile-wide moon shadow moves across remote Siberia, Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

About 15 million people live within the path—about a third of last Monday—but this will be a special eclipse for the countries it crosses. For Iceland, it's the first total solar eclipse since 1954, while for Spain, it will be the first of two in a row, with the south of the country destined to again fall under the moon's umbral shadow on August 2, 2027. Technically, the path touches Russia and Portugal.

Things to consider for this eclipse include clouds—as always (tip: stay away from the coasts for the best chance of clear skies)—and the height of the eclipsed sun, which will never be higher than 26 degrees. In Spain, the eclipse will occur close to sunset when the sun is between 10 degrees and 2 degrees above the horizon. So, a clear view to the southwest will be required. That rules out Spain's east coast—ironically, where masses of hotels are situated.

Here’s where to see the 2026 total solar eclipse:

1 minute 46 seconds totality, 55% chance of cloud

The coasts of Greenland and Iceland and the north coast of Spain are predicted to be cloudy, but cruise ships in Scoresby Sun—west of Ittoqqortoormiit—may well have a clear view.

1-minute 1-second totality, 76% chance of cloud

This lighthouse is close to the center of Iceland's capital city, making it a popular place for aurora viewing (which you may see if you stay up very late on the nights either side of the eclipse).

1 minute 9 seconds totality, 76% chance of cloud

This cute lighthouse has lots of space for viewing and a great view out to sea.

1 minute 56 seconds totality, 75% chance of cloud

The "black church" has starred in so many photos of the northern lights. Now it gets its turn with the eclipse sun.

1 minute 45 seconds totality, 54% chance of cloud

It's a little risky to be on the northern coast of Spain, but this town of 270,000 will nevertheless be ready for totality.

30 seconds totality, 58% chance of cloud

This iconic art museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, has 250 contemporary works. It gets only a short totality.

1 minute 15 seconds totality, 54% chance of cloud

Galicia’s second largest city, this medieval old town on the northwest coast is known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules

1 minute 42 seconds totality, 23% chance of cloud

The Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León areas will be busy precisely because they are predicted to have clear skies.

1 minute 44 seconds totality,